Publication Date

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Ruth Rosenblum

Keywords

Informatics, AI literacy, AI nursing, Nursing informatics

Abstract

Nursing informatics professionals are required to lead AI integration in healthcare, yet their baseline AI literacy, competency, and educational needs have not been formally assessed. This descriptive needs assessment examined AI literacy, competency, adoption readiness, and engagement among nursing informatics professionals, concurrently identifying educational priorities and preferred learning modalities. A cross-sectional survey was administered to members of the American Nursing Informatics Association (ANIA) and the broader community (N = 194). The N.U.R.S.E.S. framework (Hoelscher & Pugh, 2025) informed the survey instrument's domain structure. Five composite indices were developed: AI Familiarity, Knowledge, Attitude, Competency, and Use. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analyses were conducted. Moderate AI knowledge (M = 3.59) and competency (M = 3.12) were reported on five-point scales; participants placed themselves between advanced beginner and competent on a Benner-modeled scale (M = 2.73). Moderate-to-large positive correlations were observed across all AI literacy indices (r = .40–.69, p < .001). Strong readiness for technology adoption was reported, with 45.88% reporting immediate adoption. Nearly all respondents required further structured AI education (M = 4.74). The topics of greatest interest were AI model validation and bias (78.87%), regulatory and ethical considerations (76.80%), and clinical applications (75.77%). This was the first formal needs assessment of AI literacy in the nursing informatics community. Although participants were AI-ready, current AI education has not advanced literacy beyond a moderate level. Professional organizations, academic institutions, and healthcare systems must respond with targeted, specialty-specific education.

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